GC2KRKN Profiles of Greyrock Mountain--Western View
Type: Traditional | Size: Small | Difficulty: | Terrain:
By: Denali41 @ | Hide Date: 12/22/2010 | Status: Available
Country: United States | State: Colorado
Coordinates: N40° 42.950 W105° 18.329 | Last updated: 08/30/2019 | Fav points: 0
                 

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Reaching this cache requires rock scrambling over Class 3 and Class 4 terrain. Do not attempt to reach this cache unless you have experience in exposed rock scrambling.

Greyrock Mountain (elevation 7,613 feet) in Larimer County has a highly distinctive profile from Interstate 25 and other eastern vantages. Its steep southern aspect shows dramatically in silhouette as seen from the east. Many admirers of this Ranked Peak do not realize that the mountain’s lines from other directions are also remarkable and highly distinctive. This “Profile Series” consists of seven Traditional caches placed on Ranked Peaks that surround Greyrock Mountain, as well as a Multi-staged cache. Views of this mountain from each cache location and from the stages of the Multi are breathtaking, and each provides a special profile dimension of Greyrock. If you have as an objective finding all eight caches in this series, you will eventually view this marvelous mountain from many angles. To attain these views (as well as the treasures of the log books in all of the cache containers!) you will have hiked dozens of miles and have reached some remote areas. A major challenge confronting you will be discovering the most efficient approaches for accessing certain of these caches. Once you have logged all eight caches in the series, you will have satisfied the goals for a special challenge cache that I’ll be establishing. Don’t worry...I’ll have the challenge cache in place long before you reach all of the cache destinations in this “Profile Series”! So enjoy this particular profile cache, and then work at the others. Appreciate your adventures as you “Profile” Greyrock Mountain!

“AIGUILLE DU GREYROCK”

Directly west of Greyrock Mountain is a tower that rises above the west side of Greyrock Meadow; it is shown on the USGS Poudre Park quadrangle as Point 7456. This highly distinctive feature is referred to by backcountry advocates as the “Aiguille du Greyrock”. It is a Ranked Peak and is rarely climbed by peak baggers, in part because of its remoteness, but primarily because its precipitous terrain is imposing and suggests that all possible routes to its summit would require technical climbing methods and equipment. There is, however, a route on this tower’s north side that can be climbed without climbing gear if you have appropriate skills and feel comfortable in scrambling on exposed rock. The final 100 feet of distance to the small summit involves continuous Class 3 and Class 4 climbing terrain. A fall on the Class 4 stretches would be fatal, so only choose to seek this cache if you have experience in this type of rock scrambling and have developed some comfort in exposed situations.

Once you’ve reached the summit, relax and sign the summit register. Look through the listing of hikers/climbers who have signed this log in past years. Admire the splendid views of Greyrock Mountain as seen from the west. From this vantage you’ll experience great views of the Ranked Peaks where five other caches in the “Profile” series have been hidden, as well as all three stage locations of the Profile Multi Cache.

This summit register is NOT the cache. Search for it about 20 feet northeast of the true summit. The cache container is a large pill bottle camoed with paint. It’s located on a flat area that is several feet BELOW the summit. The container is hidden about a foot from a clump of grass, and I’ve covered it with several dead sticks. You should have no difficulty finding it. Bring a pencil or pen to sign the log.Your adventure will be making the hike and the climb up to the GZ vicinity, and your subsequent down climb to the place you left your backpack. Do not underestimate the effort required to reach this cache location.

04/15/2017 By marmotandgoatcachers
I do love rock scrambles! Goat and I took a more direct line on the way up as the rock was so inviting but I'm glad for an easier descent! Thanks for the super fun cache once again !

05/21/2016 By tinytuttle
A few days before our adventure to Greyrock, ArkF and I were planning a caching hike over a couple of pints at a local brewery in Fort Collins, Old Flowers Rd was an option till were heard that area wouldn't be open for awhile probably closer to June, So Greyrock was our intended plan. Early Saturday morning brought heavy fog cover, that cleared quickly by 8am, it was a beautiful sunny day with still a slight haze in the mid morning air. ArkF and I decided which caches to take on and this one was our first choice to conquer not quite knowing what it would take to get the smiley. I'm glad I had someone with me on this climb cause I'm not 100% confident on these sort of scrambles by myself, it felt a little dicey to me but we got her done, beautiful views from all angles, I would have to say to date this was probably my toughest scramble, and I felt relieved when my feet touched level ground, Thanks for bringing to this special place! I signed the summit register first, took some awesome 360 pics then made the find, then on to cache #2 (Wintersteen should be a beer-- Reprised)

05/21/2016 By ArkF
Thanks for this challenging cache! I had tried the scramble by myself over two years ago, and wasn't comfortable with it. Today tinytuttle and I made a hike together with this cache as our main target for the day, and having another person along improved my confidence enough for us both to make it to the top. We signed the summit register and enjoyed the views and a strong feeling of accomplishment. We then found and signed the cache and headed back to our packs. From there we headed east a few miles to grab another cache. Only one profile to go before I tackle the bonus!

10/09/2015 By Cache U
It was a beautiful day for a hike to the western and northern profiles, cool and dry. Naturally I did this one first while I was still fresh. Made the slog up to the base, had a snack, then made the final ascent without difficulty. Found the cache first, then made the easier climb to the summit and signed the log there as well. I enjoyed the views for a few minutes before getting back down to my backpack and giving out a victory yell. Thanks for a very challenging cache that boosted my self-esteem!

05/30/2015 By Denali41
Today I took a group of eight Colorado Mountain Club members on a "tour" of some Greyrock Mountain profile peaks. We got to the summits of Southwestern, Western, Northern, and Southern Greyrock peaks, and I had opportunity to check on the status of my cache on each. This cache and its contents were in good condition.